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Pustular Psoriasis

Pustular Psoriasis

Pustular Psoriasis

Pustular psoriasis is a rare form of psoriasis that is characterized by the appearance of small, fluid-filled blisters or pustules on the skin. This condition can be extremely uncomfortable and painful, and it can affect both adults and children. Pustular psoriasis can occur on any part of the body, but it is most commonly found on the hands and feet. The condition can also be accompanied by fever, chills, and fatigue. If you suspect that you may have pustular psoriasis, it is important to seek medical attention from a qualified dermatologist who can provide a proper diagnosis and recommend an appropriate treatment plan.

The best way to determine whether you have psoriasis of any kind is to schedule an appointment with a dermatologist in Gainesville at Gainesville Dermatology & Skin Surgery. We offer advanced dermatology treatments and clinical skincare for a wide variety of skin conditions in our state-of-the-art facility. Contact us today to learn more and to book your appointment.

What Is Pustular Psoriasis?

Pustular psoriasis, also called generalized pustular psoriasis or GPP, is a rare and potentially severe form of psoriasis that causes small, fluid-filled blisters or pustules to appear on the skin. It can occur in people of any age, but it is most common in adults. This condition is characterized by the sudden onset of redness and inflammation of the skin, followed by the development of pustules that are filled with a fluid that resembles pus. These pustules can be painful and itchy and can cause significant discomfort. In some cases, the pustules can merge and form larger areas of raised scaly plaques on the skin.

Pustular psoriasis can occur on any part of the body, but it is most commonly found on the hands and feet. This condition can also be associated with other symptoms such as fever, chills, and fatigue. The exact cause of pustular psoriasis is not fully understood, but it is believed to be related to an overactive immune system. If you are diagnosed with pustular psoriasis or you believe that you may have pustular psoriasis, it is important to seek medical attention from our team at Gainesville Dermatology & Skin Surgery. Psoriasis is a chronic disease that can come and go or remain throughout the duration of one’s life.

Symptoms Of Pustular Psoriasis

Pustular psoriasis symptoms may vary from person to person. However, the most common symptoms of pustular psoriasis include patches of thick, oddly colored, flaky, and scaly plaques or skin patches, fluid-filled pustules or blisters atop skin patches, and mild pain, discomfort, and itchiness. The pustules on the skin can combine with other fluid-filled lesions and break open, causing the skin to feel irritated and delicate. When pustules break open, new pustules can develop in the same area of the skin. In localized pustular psoriasis, the pustules cover a small portion of the body, such as the palms, and result in local symptoms. In the generalized version of this condition, the pustules cover a larger, more significant portion of the skin on the body and may be coupled with additional symptoms, such as fever, chills, weak muscles, fatigue, severe pain, severe itching, sped-up heart rate, dehydration, and swelling in the legs. If you experience any of these symptoms, contact your healthcare provider right away.

Sites Of Pustular Psoriasis Symptoms

You can experience symptoms of localized pustular psoriasis and generalized pustular psoriasis on any part of your body that is covered with skin. Yet, pustular psoriasis and the presentation of its symptoms tend to form on certain common sites, such as the feet, scalp, face, and hands. For more information about these pustular psoriasis types and the best treatment for your needs, please contact Gainesville Dermatology & Skin Surgery.

What Is The Difference Between Pustular Psoriasis & Palmoplantar Pustulosis?

Pustular psoriasis is a form of psoriasis that causes the skin to develop plaques with blisters, bumps, or pustules anywhere on the body. Palmoplantar pustular psoriasis, also called palmoplantar pustulosis, is a type of pustular psoriasis that is localized to only the hands and the feet. Another condition that produces symptoms similar to pustular psoriasis is pustular dermatosis, which causes blisters to form under the top layer of the skin.

The pustules formed in pustular dermatosis form where there is skin-on-skin friction, like the skin in the underarms, between the thighs, or groin. However, unlike pustular dermatitis, dermatosis does not cause skin plaques covered with flaky, odd-colored skin. Acrodermatitis continua of Hallopeau (ACH) is a condition in which the condition affects only the fingers and/or toes, especially the nails. This form of psoriasis is extremely rare and can develop after an injury of infection on the skin.

Who Gets Pustular Psoriasis?

Pustular psoriasis affects individuals with psoriasis. Pustular psoriasis can affect anyone diagnosed with psoriasis at any age, but it's more common in adults than children. Though this condition is not rare, generalized pustular psoriasis is the rarest form of psoriasis. More commonly, people with psoriasis may develop mild pustular psoriasis. To learn more, contact Gainesville Dermatology Aesthetic Center.

What Causes Pustular Psoriasis?

The exact pustular psoriasis causes is not fully understood, but it is believed to be related to an overactive immune system. This condition is considered to be a type of autoimmune disorder in which the body's immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues, including the skin. Certain triggers can cause the immune system to become overactive and trigger an outbreak of pustular psoriasis. These triggers can include stress, infection, medications, exposure to certain chemicals or allergens, and hormonal changes.

In some cases, a genetic predisposition may also play a role in the development of pustular psoriasis. While the exact cause of this condition is not yet known, ongoing research is being conducted to better understand its underlying mechanisms and develop more effective treatments. A qualified dermatologist can help to diagnose and manage pustular psoriasis based on individual symptoms and medical history.

Pustular Psoriasis Triggers

Certain irritants or allergens in your environment can trigger your pustular psoriasis symptoms. Common triggers of pustular psoriasis include the following. Pustular psoriasis is not contagious, and, despite the fact that the fluid that may leak out of the bumps looks like it's infected, you can't spread the condition to other people through skin-to-skin contact.

  • As a reaction to certain medications
  • Changes to your usual routine
  • High levels of stress
  • Ultraviolet (UV) exposure
  • Streptococcus, staphylococcus, or another infection

How Is Pustular Psoriasis Diagnosed?

As with other forms of psoriasis, including plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, inverse psoriasis, guttate psoriasis, there is no test available to diagnose pustular psoriasis. When you visit your dermatologist to find out whether you have pustular psoriasis, another form of psoriasis, or another condition, your doctor will review your medical records and as you specific questions about any blood relatives with psoriasis or pustular psoriasis, your symptoms, and other questions.

To diagnose cases of pustular psoriasis, your dermatologist may perform several tests to rule out other conditions that may cause the rash, lesions, and any other symptoms of the condition. This is known as a differential diagnosis. If your doctor suspects you have generalized pustular psoriasis, they may collect blood for tests that will determine your complete blood count, among other factors.

How Is Pustular Psoriasis Treated?

Generally, pustular psoriasis treatment options focus on removing the pustules from the skin, relieving symptoms from the condition, like itchiness, pain, and discomfort, and preventing side effects characteristic of the condition, like infections that can occur when the bumps break open. Your exact treatment plan for pustular psoriasis will be customized to your health, your skin's needs, and the progression of your condition, among other factors, individual to you.

In general, however, a dermatologist will recommend a treatment plan that may include topical ointments, topical creams, phototherapy, oral medications, and/or biological treatments, among other potential therapies. Results of treatment for pustular psoriasis vary, and it can take several weeks for the patient's skin to clear up after they experience a flare-up. Treatments for pustular psoriasis typically work in stages to get rid of the pustules, prevent dead skin cells from accumulating on the surface of the skin that, results in the formation of scales, and reduce discoloration on the skin.

Can I Prevent Pustular Psoriasis?

Unfortunately, there is no known way to prevent pustular psoriasis. Fortunately, however, you can prevent pustular psoriasis flare-ups by cleansing your skin with a gentle cleanser or soap on a frequent basis, using a dermatologist-approved moisturizer regularly, managing your stress to healthy levels, and avoiding triggers that cause you to experience symptoms. Your triggers may be unique to you. Identifying your specific triggers and avoiding them as much as possible is key for reducing your symptoms and frequency of flare-ups.